2nd Unofficial Test, Day 2: England Lions Fight Back at 192/3, Trail India A by 156 Runs
As the sun dipped low over Northampton, Day 2 of the 2nd Unofficial Test between India A and England Lions concluded with the hosts staging a resilient fightback. At stumps, the Lions stood firm at 192 for 3 in 46 overs, trailing India A by 156 runs after the visitors posted a commanding first innings total of 348 all out. With weather interruptions and fading light cutting the day short, the stage is set for an intriguing battle ahead.
The day began with India A looking to assert dominance, but it was the England Lions’ batsmen who seized control during the middle session. Opener Emilio Gay led the charge with a composed 71 off 117 balls, anchoring the innings with maturity beyond his years. His partnership with Tom Haines, who scored a gritty 54 off 88 balls studded with nine boundaries, proved pivotal. Together, they stitched a 94-run stand for the second wicket off just 128 balls, frustrating the Indian bowlers on a pitch offering little assistance.
The breakthrough for India A came via Tushar Deshpande, whose persistence paid off in the 28th over. After a ball change in the previous over, Deshpande tempted Haines into a hard drive with a wide delivery, and the extra bounce did the trick. Wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel took a sharp catch to end Haines’ resistance, giving India A a much-needed breather. Deshpande finished the day with figures of 1/44, while Anshul Kamboj (1/38) and Tanush Kotian (1/21) also chipped in with a wicket apiece.
However, the Lions didn’t let the momentum slip. At stumps, Jordan Cox remained unbeaten on 31, showing composure under pressure, while James Rew was yet to open his account. Only 13 overs could be bowled in the final session due to bad light, halting England’s progress just as they looked to narrow the deficit further. Earlier in the day, rain had forced an early tea break with the scoreboard reading 146/2, adding to the stop-start nature of the game.
India A, under the leadership of Abhimanyu Easwaran, will look to their bowlers to strike early on Day 3. With the lead still substantial at 156 runs, they hold the upper hand, but the resilience shown by the Lions suggests this contest is far from over. The Northampton pitch, while not overly threatening, has shown signs of variable bounce, which could play into the hands of India A’s seamers if they maintain discipline.
As we head into the next day, the focus will be on whether England Lions can build on their solid foundation or if India A’s bowlers, hungry for wickets, can dismantle the middle order. With weather likely to play a role again, every session counts in this gripping encounter. Stay tuned for more updates as the drama unfolds!
Brief Scores: India A 348 all out; England Lions 192/3 in 46 overs (Emilio Gay 71, Tom Haines 54; Tushar Deshpande 1/44, Anshul Kamboj 1/38, Tanush Kotian 1/21).